What’s for dinner? Mini Hot Italian Subs

March 19, 2015

What's for dinner? Mini Hot Italian Subs (20 minute dinner!) Sarcastic Cooking

I am at a loss here. This weather is crushing my soul. In the short span of a day, it went from a balmy 70 degrees to a chilly 30 degrees. That means Andy, Weezer, and I were pretty much outside for an entire day and then back to shut ins the next. Do you know who doesn’t understand that you cannot play outside for an entire day when it is kind of chilly like that? I get it. Even Weezer gets it. But, Andy, uh uh. Can’t tell him nuthin!

I have him bundled up and everything but when I see his cheeks getting rosy and his little hands getting cold, it is time to go in. I feel so bad though. He stands at the front window and waves and barks (yes barks) at passersby. It is either time to give Andy a human sibling or time for this weather to officially change to spring.

When it is this weird in between weather, I have a hard time coming up with dinner. Too warm for soups, but I don’t want to have the oven or stove on for too long because it really heats up the house. It is a conflicted season.

Mini Baked Italian Subs | Sarcastic Cooking

During this time of year, my go-to has become sandwiches. Mike’s mom is known for making these great giant Italian subs. I love them, but that is way too much sandwich for two people. I scaled down Mike’s moms version into little mini subs.

As per usual, I assemble my mini subs during nap time. I wrap them in foil and put them back in the fridge. When it is time for dinner, I pop them in the oven for just long enough to melt the cheese.

Here are the items that make up the heart of the sub:

Ham

Salami

Pepperoni

Provolone

Shredded Lettuce

Italian Dressing

Mini Ciabatta Loaves or Favorite Slider Bun

A good way to make this kid friendly is sub out the meats for turkey and put it in a little pita pocket. I don’t know about your kid, but my kid gets suuuuuper frustrated trying to keep sandwich ingredients in between two pieces of bread. Pita pockets to the rescue!

When it comes to toppings, the choice is yours. If I can give you one piece of advice, do not skip on the shredded lettuce and Italian dressing combo. It adds all the flavor.

 

 

Mini Hot Italian Subs

When you don't know what to make for dinner, bake up these perfect little Italian subs! Each mini sub is loaded with ham, salami, pepperoni, provolone, and a slew of other good things! Done in 20 minutes!!!
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 6 Mini Subs

Ingredients

  • 6 Mini Slider Buns/ Ciabatta Rolls
  • 3 Slices of Ham sliced in half length-wise
  • 12 Slices of Salami
  • 18 Slices of Pepperoni
  • 3 Slices of Provolone Cheese
  • 6 Thin Sliced of Red Onion optional
  • 6 Slices of Tomato
  • Banana Peppers or Pepperoncini if you want more spice
  • Shredded Lettuce
  • A Splash of Oil + A Dash of Vinegar or Italian Vinaigrette

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
  2. Cut each roll in half. Layer the following; ½ slice of ham, 2 slices of salami, 3 slices of pepperoni, ½ slice of provolone, 1 slice of red onion if using, slice of tomato, and peppers. Top with other half of the bun. Wrap the mini sub in tin foil and place on a baking sheet or in the fridge for later.
  3. Continue the process until all the subs are wrapped.
  4. When ready to bake the subs, place the baking sheet of wrapped subs in the oven for 10-15 minutes, just long enough to melt the cheese.
  5. While the subs bake, toss the lettuce and olive oil together in a small bowl.
  6. Right before serving, remove the foil from the subs. Pry the bottom bun off and top with a heaping spoonful of shredded lettuce. Reassemble the sandwich and then serve!

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  • Tina
    March 30, 2016 at 4:12 am

    This dishes looks so adorable. Definitely the perfect party dishes! Thanks for sharing

  • Joanne
    March 22, 2015 at 7:16 am

    This transition weather is driving me crazy also! I’m not barking at windows…but it’s still not FUN. These little subs are the perfect food to eat during this in-between seasons time, though! Both comforting and light at the same time.

  • Julia
    March 20, 2015 at 9:02 am

    Holy mackerel, what a huge temperature jump! Poor little Andy’s probably so confused. Hopefully spring brings you all the warm weather ASAP to alleviate the cabin fever!

    These subs. I’m not gonna lie, I’m envisioning myself procuring one of those loaves of bread that are like 18 feet long and making Italian.subs.for.dayz. These look so good!! Bring on that salami!